Category: Photos

A Unique Photo Format of the Past: The Daguerreotype

Daguerreotypes were one of the first photographic methods to exist. Join us as Maureen A. Taylor shares their history and characteristics, as well as clues you can look for in them.

Teaming Up with Cousins to Solve Photo Mysteries

If you're having trouble identifying the people in your old family photos, your cousins may be able to help. Photo Detective Maureen A. Taylor shares how to find clues in your mysterious family photographs.

Photo Identification: Names, Dates and Places

Our reader, Linda, recently submitted a tintype she found in an old family bible. She knows who owned the bible, but not who is in the image. Photo Detective Maureen A. Taylor is on the case, sharing what clues she finds in this photo and helps narrow down the mystery.

22 Online Historical Photo Databases

Would you like to gain a deeper understanding of what daily life was like for your ancestors? Step into your ancestors’ world with the historical photos in these 22 online databases.

Labor Day: Work Clothes in Old Photos

The first Labor Day was held Sept. 5, 1882 in New York City, sponsored by the Central Labor Union. You can read more about the history of Labor Day here. In honor of Labor Day, let's take a look at an occupational portrait of a latch maker in the collection...

History Through a New Lens: Adding Color to Photographs

In The Colour of Time: A New History of the World, artist Marina Amal lets us see history through a whole new lens - in color.

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Narrowing the List of Suspects: Wedding Bells

For the last month, Photo Detective Maureen A. Taylor has been investigating three photo submitted by a reader. Now it’s time to narrow down the list of her ancestors to find possible matches.

The Mystery of the Pale Eyed Woman

Photo Detective Maureen A. Taylor continues her three-part investigation on the family photos of one of our readers. This week's she's looking for clues in this haunting image of a young woman wearing a Peter Pan collar.

Identifying a Fur-Clad Family Member

Photo Detective Maureen A. Taylor continues her three-part investigation on the family photos of one of our readers. This week's photo is full of great clues, including a staged winter background and fashion from the early 1900's.

Our Ancestors’ Fourth of July Celebrations

For Americans these days, Independence Day means cookouts, fireworks, and fun with loved ones. But how did our ancestors celebrate the Fourth of July?

Counting the Clues in a Wedding Photo

Discovering an unidentified wedding portrait is more common than you would think. Luckily, Photo Detective Maureen A. Taylor is on the case to explain what clues to look for.

Remembering the Ladies

Discovering women's' identities can be tricky as they were often listed under their married name, or not at all. Here are clues to help identifying them.

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